It belonged to a long haired striking man in ripped black jeans and a red checkered flannel. His face expressive from overhearing Steve’s quip as he walked his scrappy looking black dog.

Stella laughed brightly, “He gets nothing but bragging rights against the damn Van Der Waals.”

Steve turned on his teen daughter, “Stel, language!”

The guy laughed, “Well screw the Van Der- whoevers, why do we hate them?”

Stella stood next to Steve hands on her hips in a mirror image of her father, “Who are you?”

His dog woofed playfully and wagged it’s tail, “Oh, I moved in two houses down, I’m Eddie and this is Gibson.”

Stella relaxed her arms down, “Can I pet him?”

“Sure he’s friendly.” Eddie responded.

Steve walked along with his daughter as she approached them, “I’m Steve, and this is my daughter Stella. Welcome to the neighborhood.”

Closer up and the man looked familiar.

He tilted his chin up in greeting to Steve, “Harrington?” He asked.

Steve gave him an assessing gaze he couldn’t forget those dimples, “No shit, Munson?”

When he had fallen from social graces in high school he and the trailer park pot dealer had formed a quasi-friendship. It lined up when he started his now inseparable friendship with Robin.

Eddie beamed at him, “Yeah, back in Hawkins, can you believe it?”

Steve shook his head and met this ghost from his past’s grin with his own answering one.

“You know my dad?” Stella asked.

“Yeah, from the glory days or whatever. Why?” He replied.

“Nothing, just my dad’s a nerd.” She snorted out implying Eddie wasn’t.

“Hey! You’re spending too much time with your aunt Robin.” Steve said indignantly.

Eddie threw his head back and laughed.

Steve felt caught off guard.

Guess that crush was just laying dormant, he thought quickly and shook off.

“So why do we hate the Van Der- who’s-it’s?” Eddie asked with a gleam in his eye.

“They insinuated we were going to hell since dad knocked someone up with me out of wedlock.” Stella said like it was a common thing to share, “And their kids are homeschooled weirdos.”

Steve pushed up his glasses into his still pretty magnificent hair and scrubbed a hand over his face while mumbling, “I’m already in hell.”

Eddie was holding back his laughter, “Fuck them, now you have to kick their asses, at what? Halloween decorations?”

Steve nodded.

“And Christmas, in the summer lawn care and gardening, it’s never ending.” Stella huffed out as she scratched Gibson’s floppy ears.

“Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help in this rivalry, since we’re neighbors now.” Eddie winked at Steve.

Steve felt a flush crawl over his cheeks, oh no.

His eyes darted to Stella staring at him and looking back to Eddie as a smirk broke across her devious little face.

“Yeah, for sure, see ya around Eddie.” He rasped out as Eddie and Gibson continued their walk. He couldn’t help but watch him leave. He'd always been a little infatuated with Eddie. His charisma was palpable. How could you not get wrapped up in it?

Stella stood up and turned to him, “How do you know Eddie?”

“High School.” He said leaving her hanging.

He shoved the cottony cobwebs into her hands.

“So Robin and Dustin know him too?”

Steve could feel her scheming, “Stop.”

“I’m not doing anything, just curious, dad.” She said innocently.

Steve went back to arranging the lights perfectly on the bushes. They lived in a nice part of town a small but decent ranch, nowhere near the way Steve had grown up, but comfortable.

Stella pretended to drop the subject as she worked on getting the batting as thin and wispy as possible for a realistic looking cobweb covering the bushes and side of their entryway. She busied herself arranging the tombstones as Steve got the ghosts hanging from the trees.

She couldn’t wait to bring the new neighbor up to her aunt at their next dinner.

•

Halloween came up quick. Robin was well aware of Steve’s new neighbor crush with details filled in by Stella. Hell, she was aware of his Eddie sized crush back in high school. Even Dustin had made a comment that he was pretty sure there was a missed opportunity there between Steve and Eddie from another lifetime.

He and Robin had a standing Halloween movie marathon tradition.

“Dingus, we putting a scary movie on or what? I already have American Psycho all set to play.” Robin asked as she stove popped popcorn.

“Yeah, yeah, just checking my phone, Stel is staying at a friend’s tonight and I just wanna make sure she’s good.”

The doorbell rang.

“Trick or treaters. It’s getting a little late.” Robin commented as Steve went to grab the door.

He opened it with a bowl of candies.

Eddie on the other side with growler pumpkin beer in his hands, “Trick or treat Stevie.”

Steve grinned, “Kinda reverse though? Since you brought treats.”

“Didn’t wanna show up empty handed, you free?” He asked only looking a little wide-eyed and apprehensive.

Robin came up behind Steve, “Eddie! Heard you moved in, good to see you- oh, shoot.” She pulled out her Nokia brick of a cellphone in an over-dramatic manner.

“Damn, sorry Dingus, Vick’s car isn’t starting, I gotta pick her up from the winery. Hey Eddie you free for some scary movies? Steve has American Psycho queued up and he’s too chicken to watch it alone.”

Eddie had come into the entryway.

“Uh, I mean, I’m free…but is that, okay with you?” He addressed Steve for the last part.

Steve stood for a beat realizing he may have been set up.

“Yeah, if Rob’s gotta go that’s fine. I’ve got homemade pizza in the oven.” Steve said as he narrowed his eyes at Robin.

She shoved the popcorn into his arms perched atop the bowl of candies and kissed his cheek as she grabbed her coat, “Bye guys, good seeing you Eddie, I’m sure we’ll cross paths again soon!” Robin shifted Eddie further inside as she slid out the door in a rush.

Steve looked to Eddie and shrugged, “We can pick another movie that one was Rob’s choice anyway.” He felt a bit nervous being alone with Eddie.

He had seen him in the past few weeks and had snatched information on his life. He’d run into him walking Gibson and found out he collects cassette tapes from the dollar bins at record stores and goodwill. On one occasion he stood outside and chatted with Wayne about baseball stats while Eddie made joking comments about sports and balls.

He knew now that Eddie had moved back to be closer to Wayne but also had started working at the new brewery owned by his old supplier Reefer Rick, he was experimenting with CBD infused brews that Eddie was spearheading the endeavor as brew master on those.

“I like horror, but I’m good switching it up to something else, it smells delicious in here, you sure this is cool?” Eddie asked again.

Steve threw a piece of popcorn that landed in Eddie’s hair as he set down the treats in his arms on the coffee table, “Yes, I’d rather not be ditched home alone on Halloween to eat an entire pizza by myself, come in Eddie. Take off your shoes and chill.” Steve took the jug of beer from Eddie’s hands and lead him to the kitchen.

“This from Rick’s brewery?” He asked as he grabbed a couple of glasses.

“Yeah, but new so we’re kinda guinea pigs. I think I’ve got it perfected though.” He said as he leaned against the kitchen island.

He looked good dressed down.

He had on a black crewneck sweatshirt with ghostface on it and a pair of dark wash jeans that fit him perfectly. His socks were adorably mismatched. Something he had done often in high school- Steve had noticed it back then too.

He always looked good is what Steve had become aware of.

“Still can’t match your socks, Munson?” Steve inquired as he poured them the caramel colored ale.

Eddie let out a startled laugh, “You remember that? Honestly who has the time, and I think it’s quirky. Commitment made I am an unmatched socks kinda person.”

Of course I remember I pointed it out right after you showed me what shotgunning was, he thought to himself.

He couldn’t say it aloud. He wondered if Eddie was thinking it too.

He held up his glass, “Cheers?”

“Hell yeah Harrington. Happy Halloween.” Eddie said as he clinked his own glass to Steve’s and took a sip.

His eyes followed Steve’s movements and the way his throat looked swallowing down his newest brew.

Steve let the flavor unfold on his palate, “It’s really good, Eddie.”

“Don’t sound so surprised.” The other man teased.

The oven timer chimed as Steve pulled out the pizza. He was fully aware now that he was in his Robin relaxation mode outfit which translated to his softest sweatpants and a tee shirt from Vickie’s job that cheesily said ‘Wine o’clock’ with rhinestones.  He resolutely ignored the feeling telling him to go change. Robin called it his middle-aged mom wear. Which rude, he was thirty-three not middle-aged.

“Tell me about the toppings.” Eddie said as Steve almost choked on another drink of beer.

He recovered quickly, “We decided on spicy pepperoni, mushroom, and green pepper. Hope that’s alright.”

“Hell yeah, can’t remember the last home cooked food I had that wasn’t like, just me whipping up some eggs. That’s a lie Wayne and I do Sunday dinner and he always makes sure I get some veggies in me.” Eddie added.

Steve laughed, “Well I guess someone’s gotta look after you.”

He sliced into the still steaming pizza the cheese melting in strings as he plated them up. They got to talking about Steve’s school counselor job and how it felt having to go back to Hawkins High for work now. The conversation an easy push and pull of information and silly innuendos movie long forgotten as they refilled their beer glasses.

“You know I had such a crush on you then.” Eddie said pink cheeked and smiling, “I even remember the songs you liked when we’d smoke up together. It always surprised me how many metal ones you were into.”

Steve chuckled, “So I wasn’t imagining it back then? I always wondered what you would’ve done had I leaned forward and kissed you when you showed me how to shotgun.” His lips loose but not from the alcohol, he wasn’t drunk, not even tipsy really- just emboldened by Eddie’s own confession.

Eddie shyly pulled his hair in front of his face and giggled out a nervous laugh. He fished something out of his back pocket, “When we talked the other day you said you still had a tape deck, right?”

Steve did it came with his stereo set up he nodded in response as Eddie slid a mixtape into his hand.

Steve looked it over, “Are these?”

“The songs you liked back then? Yeah.” Eddie gave him another shy look.

Steve’s fingertips tingled wanting to touch- it was maybe the single most romantic thing anyone had ever done for him. He set the tape down and moved closer to Eddie.

“You know, I have to be honest, Stella stopped by a few days ago with Robin-“ Eddie started nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck.

He cut him off, “They orchestrated this? Of course they did. Robin knew I was stupid over you my entire junior and senior year.” Steve muttered.

Eddie made a choked off sound, “You were?”

“I just said I thought about kissing you when we smoked together.” Steve replied.

Eddie reached a hand up and rested it on Steve’s waist, “What about now?”

Steve leaned in the rest of the way and closed the distance his lips pressing against Eddie’s and his tongue coaxing into the metalhead’s mouth tasting like pumpkin beer and potential.

When they broke apart Eddie let out a content sound that burrowed between Steve’s ribs and planted in his chest.

“It’s better.” Eddie finally said.

Steve cocked his head, body still reeling, still wanting.

“Than I imagined back then. Maybe the timing wasn’t right, you know? We’ve both grown. Now the timing feels right.” Eddie clarified.

•

Eddie had the mixtape playing in his van an identical one to what he had made Steve when he picked up Gareth the following morning to grab breakfast, “What is this? Reliving your youth?"

Eddie laughed at his attitude.

Love letters, he thought to himself as they drove to the diner, crush confessions by song.

He smirked at Gareth, "I kissed Steve Harrington, actually we have a date on Friday."

Gareth groaned and turned up the music. It felt like 1986 all over again, atleast Eddie got the guy this time.

•

The pastel polo shirts, the shoulder pats with his other jock bozo buddies, the day he came to school with his face rearranged followed by Hargrove looking worse for wear.

The quiet way his social ladder was slipping out from under him rung by rung.

Well, Eddie couldn’t help but notice.

Notice the sadness in his light brown eyes.

Notice the way he chose to sit by his Ex and her new boyfriend. The one who turned out to be her soulmate.

Notice the way he seemingly was trying to disappear.

Notice that even though Eddie wasn’t going to graduate Steve barely scraped by.

How could he not notice the sailor’s uniform?

But- Eddie saw, because he was looking.

•

“Munson, you still sell?” Steve pitched his voice down low as he came up to Eddie at the mall food court.

The recent grad was in polyester blue shorts that showed more thigh than Eddie thought would be appropriate for an ice cream shop.

Steve never used to directly buy from Eddie, it had usually been Hagan or one of the underclassmen.

Eddie was in his ripped up black jeans and an Iron Maiden tee just trying to beat the obscene summer heat. He looked around to make sure no one was hearing the conversation, “Who’s askin’ Harrington.”

His eyes met Steve’s and he saw the tiredness that clouded them, “Me, ya dweeb, can’t sleep.” There was no actual bite behind the words more like fond exasperation.

Eddie wasn’t sure where the fondness came into play.

Eddie bit back a smile, “Dweeb? My liege that’s rich coming from someone in a sailor’s uniform- nice hat.” He reached up and flicked the brim.

Steve glowered.

“Dingus! Get back here I’m drowning!” Robin called out over a quickly accumulating line of people.

Steve made a frustrated sound, “Blanket apology if I was a dick to you Munson but I could really-“

Eddie cut him off he saw the desperation there, “Calm down big boy. Meet up at the trailer park after you get off.”

Steve beamed at him before running back to help Robin.

Eddie stood for a beat- he’d never really interacted with Harrington before and it hadn’t gone…awfully?

Something curious took hold.

•

The thing about soulmates was they weren’t like…predetermined at birth.

There had to be potential on both sides for that kind of a match to happen. Some, like Wheeler and Byers, happened in high school. Others more likely in their early to mid twenties, and even some got it much later- Wayne matched with his soulmate Susan when he was honorably discharge from the military at age thirty eight.

She had passed away young and Wayne always said he’d choose it all over again for the time he and Susan had together. She was the love of his life.

He still had the faded words on the inside of his forearm, ‘aren’t you a sight for sore eyes’- Eddie didn’t consider himself a romantic but how could you deny those first words steeped with potential?

When a soul match could become a bond each prospective person got their words.

If a bond was denied the words faded to nothing. If the match was cultivated, explored, and the people became soulmates the words stayed permanently.

Eddie wasn’t sure if you noticed potential before a match.

But,

He couldn’t stop noticing Steve Harrington.

•

They sat at the picnic table in the trailer park as Harrington bought an eighth.

This close up and he looked exhausted.

“Man, you just graduated, it’s summer time, what’s got you so worked up.” Eddie tried to ease the interaction.

Steve gave him a measured look, “There’s monsters in Hawkins.”

Eddie started laughing at the absurdity, “No shit?”

Steve giggled too, “No shit, Munson. Stay safe, don’t wander in the woods at night.” Steve got up and winked before heading to the maroon BMW sorely out of place amongst the trailers.

Eddie sat with the feeling that he wanted to know more about Steve.

He saw him trailing around with middle school kids, and spending time with Buckley outside of Scoops! More pieces to the puzzle of Steve Harrington not really making sense but nevertheless slotting into place.

A few weeks later and the mall burned down.

•

The guys from Hellfire always volunteered at the local Haunted House. Even their newest recruits Mike, Dustin, and Lucas had come to spook a few weekends. Jeff’s dad’s company sponsored it and the guys loved Halloween. Especially Eddie. It was one day out of the year being a freak was almost respected.

He lit up his joint in the van comfortably hot boxing himself and Gareth, “You doing the killer clown thing tonight or the ax murderer?”

They worked on their haunt characters with the same dedication they had to their DnD campaigns.

Eddie mulled over the question, “Jeff wanted to do the killer clown bit tonight and Grant was committed to the chainsaw psycho at the end so…I think I’m gonna go with guide tonight?”

“Seriously? You never like the dull parts.” Gareth said on an impressive exhale of smoke.

Eddie licked his tongue over his teeth and gave Gareth a deranged smile, “Who said anything about letting the part be dull? Jeff always plays it like he’s one of the group- but what if…mine isn’t reliable?” He waggled his eyebrows at Gareth.

The other man snorted and shook his head, “Well, shit, can’t wait to see it. You know Halloween weekend is our best turn out so you’ll have a pretty captivated crowd.”

“Exactly.” Eddie smirked as they exited the van and made their way to the warehouse where the Haunt was set up.

A familiar maroon Beemer dropping off the younger members of Hellfire.

Dustin’s voice screeched on the note, “You promised you and Rob would come tonight! It’s the last weekend Steve, atleast be supportive!”

Mike’s body language was all slumped shoulders and boredom, “Forget it Dustin, Steve’s a total baby about anything horror.”

Steve shot him a look, “A hundred bucks says we both know that’s not true and I’ve got the nail bat in my trunk to prove it.”

Lucas laughed, “He’s got you there Mike.”

“Steve, Steve, you promised!” Dustin said with an air of finality.

The bickering continued as Eddie approached. He amicably knocked shoulders with Steve as he looked amongst the young teens, “It’s his tone isn’t it?”

Steve huffed out a laugh and ran a hand through his perfect bronze height of hair. He tugged at the roots before letting go, “Yeah, the attitude? Absolute lack of respect.” Steve agreed as he unexpectedly leaned into Eddie’s space.

Eddie fought off a giggle as Steve turned to look at him head on. He was higher than he thought. Steve’s heavy gaze traveled over his face as a slow smile curled up the edges of his mouth.

“You want me to come tonight, Eddie?” He asked in soft husky voice.

Eddie nodded, “I’ll be guide tonight, wont let any monsters get you.”

Dustin cut in, “You’re being the guide? But that’s boring, I though Jeff or Grant usually were the guide.”

“Switchin’ it up half pint. I think I’ll add some of my own flare.” Eddie grinned and turned to Steve, “See ya later? Bringing your girlfriend?” He asked.

Steve gave him a confused look as Mike snorted, “Girlfriend? Steve has no game.”

Steve shot him an affronted look, “Can it little Wheeler.”

Eddie looked at him all doe-eyed, “Buckley?”

The kids started laughing.

Steve’s shoulders relaxed, “Robs? She’s my best friend, Eddie. And uh- she already got her soul mark. We’re capital P platonic.”

“She does?” Eddie asks. The answers swirling around in his mind.

“It’s…complicated?” Steve said, “And not my place to say.”

Eddie nodded, “So are you intrigued, gonna come back for a scare later?”

Steve looked exasperated, “Fine.”

He pinned the kids with a look, "Be good, stay safe, Nance is picking you all up later.”

•

Eddie looked manic, wide eyed and paranoid, he had his whole bit down. Gain their trust, and betray them when the real scares started. He had to take groups larger than two and unfortunately Steve and Robin ended up with what Eddie assumed Steve had wanted to avoid tonight- Jason Carver and his iteration of jock headed goons.

Eddie was surprised he’d even come with this being the- devil’s territory. He was scoffing at the theatrics. A few cheerleaders amongst the group. Chrissy towards the back hanging behind closer to Steve and Robin.

He got through his spiel with eye rolls and comments from the jocks. He hoped they pissed themselves, “If you’re so noble and brave perhaps you should lead us.” Eddie pointed to Jason.

He scoffed and pushed forward, “No problem, freak, it’s all fake anyway.”

They began the tour through the maze of haunted scenes and rooms. Chains rattling and the first big jump scare had Jason screeching like a little girl. Eddie grinned and caught Harrington’s eye. Worth it, he thought to himself.

As they moved along he saw Buckley’s hand dipped into Chrissy’s. He thought back to Steve’s soul mark comment from earlier. He wished in a selfish way that maybe he wasn't the only person in Hawkins with his preferences. It was still less respected same sex soulmates. Times were getting more progressive but Hawkins was often backwards.

It gave him a feeling close to hope. He felt delusional.

Eddie heard the revving of the chainsaw. The group went rigid. Steve was velcro close to his side now. He had laughed at Mike’s attempt to scare him. Eddie saw him genuinely jump a few times.

Eddie allowed himself to rest his hand in the crook of Steve’s elbow for a moment he leaned close to whisper, “Wanna avoid the chase? Go left.”

Steve looked at him, their faces too close. Steve let out a breath he must’ve been holding. “Thanks Eddie.” He said as he broke free and guided Robin and Chrissy to the left with him.

Eddie still had five more groups to bring through thr haunt open until midnight. He couldn’t stop thinking about Steve the entire time.

•

They crossed paths with the kids after Hellfire club. Steve bought from him semi-regularly. He seemed like a good guy- decent in a way Eddie hadn’t expected. Also a quiet sort of biting humor that never failed to pull laughter from him.

And then Cunningham came to him for weed. Asking for something stronger.

Everything changed.

There were monsters in Hawkins.

•

Eddie’s heart was jack-rabbit fast under the tarp in the boat house. He heard footsteps and voices. He was going to be burned at the stake by the townsfolk, isn’t that how these things usually ended?

He thought about Chrissy’s floating form.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

“Eddie?” The tentative voice sounded like Dustin.

“She’s okay, she’s gonna be alright- Eddie?” He repeated.

Eddie shot out from under the tarp broken bottle in hand and held up to Harrington’s throat.

His voice a quiet tremble to it as Steve whispered between them, “You’re safe now, it’s gonna be alright.”

Eddie felt the white hot sensation on the inside of his left forearm. The realization a shock to his system. The potential had been real, but today was so fucked up.

He lowered the jagged glass slowly, “How can you promise that?”

He watched Steve’s features carefully as they shifted to something of quiet awe. He had felt the words too. His amber eyes softened as they found Eddie’s. He slipped his palm into Eddie’s and squeezed his hand, “Because you’re mine. We’re each others, and I’m gonna be so pissed if I don’t get to ask you out when all of this is handled.”

Robin came up to them close and looked between them. Steve just nodded and Robin let out a tiny squeal, “We knew it was you.” She cleared her throat, “Chrissy is okay except for a broken arm and the crushing realization Jason got when he saw her soul mark and it wasn’t him. He thought it was you.”

Eddie’s eyes went wider as he processed her words. It explained a lot with the hunt the freak chase that had broken out. He had thought Chrissy was dead.

He let out a full body sigh knowing she wasn't.

“The next few days is gonna suck, Dustin wanna crash course Eddie on the upside-down?” Steve looked over and asked.

Dustin ran up and took his moment to fill Eddie in using Tolkien lore and DnD manuals to bridge the gap of fantasy with their real life shit show.

And it would be a hell of a few days.

•

Bloodied and full of upside down grime Vecna defeated and casualties being chalked up to an earthquake in Hawkins Steve lead Eddie back to his house.

“Let’s get cleaned up?” He asked gently.

They were alone for the first time since their words showed up, “Can I see them?” Eddie asked almost shyly.

Steve let out a pained noise but nodded.

He shrugged out of the torn up clothing he had on and extended his arm to Eddie. Eddie’s fingertip traced the letters in his own unique script, how can you promise that?

But they were standing here alive, a little worse for wear, but they had each other.

Steve’s words rang true, he was safe and things albeit fucked up would eventually be alright.

Steve pulled him in close, “I’m so glad it’s you. I hoped it’d be you.” He said before closing the gap, pressing his lips against Eddie’s.

They’d already gone through hell for each other. Everything else seemed manageable.

•

Two weeks later and almost daily movie nights, and dinners, and sleepovers with the Party had Eddie wound up with a need to be one on one with Steve, his soulmate.

Steve clicked the door shut behind the younger teens leaving. Eddie had the pleasure of meeting Super girl and little Byers, two more that just fit the Party. A small family forged over time and now Eddie and Wayne got to be a part of it.

Chrissy’s family upset about her soul mark belonging to another girl had them quietly pretending like it wasn’t happening. Which didn’t affect Robin’s parents as they made up the guest room and took Chrissy in. The girls a blushing mess of first love when anyone asked about them amongst their trusted group.

Eddie crowded Steve against the now locked door. The two of them in the empty house had him already buzzing under the skin. They shared breath between them the air charged with desire. Eddie leaned down to meet their lips. Steve gasped into it as he let his hands grasp Eddie’s shirt. They had shared words and matching bat bite marks still healing. A weirdly packaged pair now. It had something stirring in Eddie’s gut.

He slotted his thigh at the apex of Steve’s legs, he felt the other man grow harder. It was carnal and Eddie needed.

Oh how he needed.

He broke apart from their messy kiss as he left bruising bites and kisses down Steve’s throat. The man reduced to a whimpering, handsy thing against him. Between kisses Eddie punched out the words, “I think I always knew it’d be you, Stevie.”

Steve ground down against his thigh. Riding his leg as Eddie assaulted his throat and caressed his body. No one had ever felt the way Eddie did to Steve. The desperation mounting. Eddie shoved off Steve’s shirt and kissed down his chest, tender over the healing bites as he gazed back up at Steve’s face.

He slunk down his body and undid the button on Steve’s Levis, “Yeah?” He looked up again.

“Please, Eddie, please.” The begging tumbled out and settled between Eddie’s own legs. His cock an angry, insistent line inside his jeans.

Steve whined above him as Eddie lowered the zipper agonizingly slow. He dipped a hand into Steve’s briefs and guided his beautiful cock out. The head a pretty velvety pink already wet with desire. Eddie leaned in and tongued it.

Steve keened.

He kissed the tip before swallowing him down.

This is my soulmate. Eddie thought as he grinded his own over-sensitized cock against the tightness of his jeans. Every twirl of his tongue or the way he fluttered it up the underside of Steve’s cock elicited another delicious noise Steve would make for him. He wanted to catalogue them.

It was heady.

He was getting him off and he was so close in his own pants.

Steve’s hand brushed his cheek and carded through his hair, tugging gently as Eddie moaned around his length.

“Eds, Eddie- I’m so close.” He panted above him.

Eddie adjusted himself and eased Steve’s jeans lower. He guided his hands up to Steve’s ass and squeezed as he sucked him down. Bobbing his head and working his tongue he felt the hot release against his throat, he let up for it to gather on the back of his palate. Swallowing as much as he could.

He trembled on his knees.

He knew he had made a mess of himself.

Steve pulled him up by his hair and kissed him deep. Tasting himself on Eddie’s tongue. He let his hand wander down and cupped Eddie’s cock just starting to soften. Eddie shyly pulled away, “I, uh, um-“ He stumbled over his words embarrassed.

Steve blinked as he connected the dots, “Did you come in your pants for me, Eds?”

Eddie bit his lower lip, cheeks pinking up against his will.

Steve groaned out, “So fucking hot.”

Eddie gave him a soft smile, “Really?”

Steve kissed him, “Can’t wait for you to open me with you fingers so I can ride you, next time you’re coming in me.”

Their marks a deeper black, stark on their skin, the potential a match, and their free will chose each other.

Eddie couldn’t wait for the life he had ahead of him with Steve in his corner.

•